Color Analysis (Hunter) Test

The following is a list of each of the color spaces (scales) for which color values take on different meanings.  In general, the reported values represent a point in 3D color space where each axis in that space has a defined lightness or chromaticity.
CIELAB
CIELCh
Hunter Lab
XYZ
Yxy
Rdab
RxRyRz

Both the Hunter L, a, b scale and the CIELAB scale are visually meaningful; the three values can be easily understood and translated into color. They are, however, calculated differently. The formulas for Hunter L, a, and b are square roots using CIE XYZ, whereas CIELAB is calculated using cube roots of XYZ.

The Hunter Color test can be applied to most any material and it is used when measuring the color of a material is important.

The lab needs to know all of the parameters for the test being conducted or we need to understand why the sample is being tested to aid in choosing appropriate settings and color space for the customer to use.  The parameters required to define a test are as follows:
Conditions that define a color measurement

1. Color Scale
2. CIE Illuminant
3. CIE standard Observer
4. Instrument Geometry + mode
5. Sample Preparation
6. Sample Presentation

While our sales and customer service team are happy to answer general testing questions, consultations typically start at a rate of $250 per 30 minutes regarding the interpretation of reported test results or questions about our test methods. We cannot consult on regulations, tolerance limits, or claims.

We make every effort to keep our methods and detection limits up to date according to the latest standards and qualifications. If you have any questions regarding the limit of detection/quantification or method references, please contact our Customer Service team at 1-800-245-5615.

Our standard turnaround time is 10 business days for most assays. There are some assays that require a longer turnaround time. We also offer a RUSH service that is half the time of the standard turnaround time of the assay at double the cost of the assay. A few assays that we provide cannot be rushed due to the nature of the test. Please check the specific assay you are interested in regarding the ability to RUSH the turnaround time.

Medallion Labs, a division of General Mills, offers multiple areas of expertise for analytical testing and product evaluation for the food and ingredient industry. Our areas of expertise include Chemical Analysis, Nutritional Analysis, Food Safety, Shelf Life Studies, Microbiology, Specialty Fibers, Physical Testing, Allergen Testing, as well as Product Evaluation (which includes Product Performance and Sensory Evaluation) and Technical Consulting/Method Development. Our methods are developed for the testing of food products and ingredients.

Medallion Labs will return samples to the submitter at their expense. If you would like the samples or shipping coolers sent back to you, please provide us a UPS or Fed Ex shipping number.